GP advocacy in supporting migrant access to NHS healthcare

Abstract

Recent policy reform within the NHS poses significant challenges to accessing healthcare for migrants. This follows the introduction of upfront charging in healthcare services for those not ordinarily resident in the UK. The eligibility for free NHS care is currently determined by an individual’s immigration status. This has denied treatment to many of those who lack the relevant financial means, particularly the migrant population. Migrants are recognised to have various complex health needs and to experience a number of difficulties in accessing healthcare, from language barriers to navigating through an unfamiliar healthcare system. There is also concern that migrants may be deterred from engaging with healthcare services after certain policies have mandated NHS trusts to share confidential patient information with the Home Office. Restrictive NHS policies are likely to exacerbate existing barriers for access to healthcare, which could have a devastating impact on migrant health. Similarly, this may inadvertently widen health inequalities and increase the disease burden in society. GPs hold a valuable role, in which they can advocate on behalf of their patients. Advocacy support can empower migrants in making informed decisions and help to protect their rights in accessing healthcare. This article provides a concise overview of the wider impact of restrictive policies within the NHS, and supports GPs in advocating on behalf of migrants to improve their access to healthcare.